Unit 1 Thinking Geographically

cartography

the art and science of map-making, involving the representation of geographic information.

cartographic scale

a ratio that compares a distance on a map to the corresponding distance on the ground.

geographic scale

the relationship between the size of features on a map and their actual size on the earth's surface, often expressed in ratios or as a verbal statement. (local, regional, global)

scale of analysis

the level of detail or scope used in analyzing a geographic phenomenon, often categorized as local, regional, or global.

spatial analysis

the process of examining the locations, attributes, and relationships of features in spatial data to understand patterns and processes.

environmental determinism

the theory that the physical environment, particularly climate and terrain, shapes human behavior and cultural development.

environmental possibilism

the theory that, while the physical environment sets certain constraints, humans have the ability to overcome those limits

place

a point on Earth with one or more unique characteristics

remote sensing

the process of collecting data about the Earth’s surface from a distance, often using satellites, aircrafts, and drones

Geographic Information System (GIS)

a system designed to collect, store, analyze, and manage spatial or geographic data, allowing for mapping and spatial analysis.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

a satellite-based system that provides location and time information anywhere on Earth, used for navigation and mapping.

Mercator projection

a cylindrical map projection that represents lines of constant course and distorts size, particularly near the poles. It is commonly used for marine navigation.

census data

statistical data collected from a population, including demographic information such as age, gender, and ethnicity.

Robinson projection

a map projection that attempts to balance size and shape representation, often used for world maps to provide a visually appealing view.

human-environment interaction

the ways in which human beings and the environment affect each other, including the use of natural resources and the impact of human activities on the ecosystem.

Land Ordinance of 1785

a law that regulated land sales in the western territories of the United States, establishing a systematic process for surveying and selling land.

toponym

a place name

longitude

the geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees.

latitude

the geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees.

region

an area defined by common characteristics, such as culture, climate, or physical features.

formal/uniform region

a type of region defined by a common trait, such as language or climate, that is consistent throughout the area.

vernacular region

a type of region defined by people's perceptions and feelings about an area, often varying by individual perspective.

nodal/functional region

a type of region defined by a central point and the surrounding territory linked to it through transportation, communication, or economic activities.

site

refers to the physical characteristics of a specific location, including its landforms, climate, and resources that influence human activities.

situations

the external locations and connections surrounding a place that impact its development and interactions.

Prime Meridian

The Prime Meridian is the meridian at 0 degrees longitude, serving as the reference line for the eastern and western hemispheres. It divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, running through Greenwich, England.

relative location

the position of a place in relation to other locations, often described in terms of distance, direction, or accessibility.

absolute location

the exact coordinates of a place, typically expressed in latitude and longitude.

space-time compression

the process by which advancements in technology reduce the time it takes to travel or communicate across distance, making geographic distances feel shorter.

distance decay

the idea that as distance between two things increases, their interactions with each other decreases.

relocation diffusion

the spread of an idea or phenomenon through the movement of people from one place to another, carrying the innovation with them.

expansion diffusion

the process by which an idea or innovation spreads from its originating center to surrounding areas, often through various means of communication and social interaction.

contagious diffusion

the rapid, widespread diffusion of a feature or trend throughout a population, often facilitated by direct contact or proximity.

stimulus diffusion

a process where an idea or innovation spreads to a different culture or society while being adapted or altered to fit local conditions.

hierarchical diffusion

the spread of a feature or trend from one key person or node of authority to other individuals or places, often bypassing those in lower social status.

globalization

the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, cultures, and economies driven by trade, technology, and communication.